How to Keep Tempo While Playing the Guitar

Keeping tempo while playing guitar is the backbone of any great performance, especially when you're diving into the intricate world of metal and its subgenres. Whether you're blasting through a thrash metal riff or laying down a djent groove, maintaining a steady beat is vital. Let’s explore how to keep that tempo rock solid and elevate your playing.

Why Tempo Matters in Metal Guitar

Tempo is more than just keeping pace; it's about syncing with the band, creating the right energy, and delivering a performance that hits hard. In metal, rhythm is king. The relentless chug of a guitar in sync with the drums can make or break a song. Imagine the chaos if "Master of Puppets" suddenly sped up or slowed down unexpectedly. Maintaining tempo ensures that your riffs remain tight and impactful.

Plus, if you're playing with a band or jamming with a backing track, tempo is your glue. It's the unspoken agreement that keeps everyone on the same page. When you're locked in, the music flows seamlessly, and that’s when the magic happens.

Understanding Your Internal Metronome

We've all got an internal metronome, even if it feels a bit rusty. This internal sense of timing is something you can develop with practice. Start by tapping your foot along with songs you love. Feel the beat and try to predict changes in tempo or rhythm. This helps train your brain to recognize and lock into different speeds.

Another great exercise is to play along with a drum machine. Set it to a comfortable tempo and jam along. Gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable. This not only hones your timing but also helps improve your stamina, especially in fast-paced genres like thrash and death metal.

Practicing with a Metronome: The Unseen Hero

If you're not using a metronome, you're missing out on one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Start slow, maybe at 60 BPM, and play simple scales or riffs. Focus on precision and clarity. Once you're comfortable, gradually increase the tempo.

Here's a fun challenge: Set the metronome to 120 BPM and play a riff at double time, then half-time. This teaches you flexibility in your playing and reinforces your sense of timing. Plus, it’s a neat trick to have up your sleeve during live performances.

For those looking to dive deeper, Riffhard offers a custom metronome tailored for guitar practice. It’s a game-changer when it comes to tightening your rhythm skills.

Counting Beats: More Than Just Numbers

Counting might seem elementary, but it's a crucial skill for keeping tempo. Try counting out loud in different time signatures while playing. For instance, in 4/4 time, count “1-2-3-4” as you play each beat. This will help internalize the rhythm and make it second nature.

For more complex time signatures like 7/8 or 5/4, break them down into smaller, manageable parts. Count them as “1-2-3-4-5-6-7” or “1-2-3-4-5”. Practicing this way simplifies complex rhythms and makes them more approachable.

Using Technology to Your Advantage

With the advancements in technology, there are plenty of tools to help keep your tempo tight. Loop pedals, drum machines, and backing tracks can simulate a band environment, pushing you to stay in sync. These tools challenge you to maintain tempo under varying musical contexts.

Apps like Tempo and Pro Metronome offer features like tap tempo, polyrhythm settings, and custom time signatures, allowing for a versatile practice experience. These can be invaluable for learning to adapt to different rhythmic situations.

Recording Yourself: The Brutal Truth

Recording your practice sessions is like holding up a mirror to your playing. You might think you're nailing that riff, but playback can reveal issues you weren't aware of. Listen for spots where you drift off tempo and focus on those areas in your next practice session.

Recording also tracks your progress over time. It’s incredibly rewarding to listen back a few months later and hear how much you’ve improved. And if you're a Riffhard user, you can even share your recordings with the community for feedback from fellow metalheads.

Staying Relaxed Under Pressure

Nerves can be a tempo killer. When the pressure's on, it's easy to speed up or slow down. Practice performing in front of friends or recording yourself to simulate that pressure. The more you do it, the more comfortable you'll become.

Breathing exercises can also help. Before you play, take a few deep breaths to center yourself. This helps calm your nerves and maintain a steady tempo during a performance.

How Riffhard Can Help Cement Your Timing

Our Riffhard platform offers lessons from renowned metal guitarists who emphasize the importance of tempo in their playing. With over 150 video lessons and downloadable tabs, you can learn directly from the best in the business. The interactive player lets you adjust tempo, offering a tailored practice experience.

Our instructors, like Dean Lamb and Zakk Wylde, provide insights into their rhythm techniques, helping you refine your timing across various metal subgenres. Whether you’re into metalcore or djent, there’s a lesson that fits your style.

Consistency Over Speed: The Long Game

It’s tempting to play everything fast, especially in metal. But speed without control is chaotic. Focus on playing clean and consistent. Speed will naturally follow as you build muscle memory.

Set practice goals focusing on clarity and precision. Use a metronome to gradually increase your playing speed, but only when you're confident with slower tempos. Remember, consistency is the foundation on which speed is built.

Final Thoughts

Keeping tempo is crucial for any guitarist, especially in the realm of metal. By utilizing tools like metronomes, embracing technology, and practicing consistently, your playing will significantly improve. And with Riffhard, you have access to lessons that can help you refine your skills with guidance from some of the best in the industry. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the journey!